Ways to manage production through the coronavirus crisis

Shooting during COVID a challenge? Not remotely!

Written by Dan Zelikman | Dec 16, 2020 6:30:12 PM
This year has been, well—something.  
 
Like everyone else, Cowboy Bear Ninja has been forced to adapt. Productions have changed a *lot,* but instead of focusing on what we can't do, we've embraced how we can do things differently —and in some cases, better.
 
While the way we used to do things has changed, stories certainly haven’t stopped. In fact, we’ve never been busier, and we’re so appreciative to our partners, clients, and collaborators for all the impactful work we’ve been fortunate enough to create this year. We’ve had to change quite a lot but as long as the focus remains on story (and safety), we’re ready to roll.
 

Remote Productions

During the COVID crisis, we’re minimizing risk and maintaining quality. We use remote teams, COVID safety practices, and great communication. For bigger projects, we send kits full of cameras, lenses, and lights—along with a tech to run things on location and work with the rest of the remote team.
 
Shoots may not even need a technician in-person.
 
We have kits ready to go filled with a MacBook, iPhone, mic, and a few accessories and small lights. Everything fits in a case or two, and is designed for anyone who knows how to use a laptop or phone. In a few simple steps, our subject is connected to our team remotely via Zoom, and our tea
m takes over controls and guides them through the process. 
 
Clients and partners collaborate with us and share feedback via a 4K remote “video village”, and internal comms are on various channels and teams via the very walkie-like platform Discord.  
 
Footage is uploaded to Frame.io right after wrap, and the kits are put back, and shipped back to our offices in a matter of days. Edits are conducted via Zoom remotely, and assets are delivered to our partners in their various specs via Dropbox.
 
It takes a more planning, patience, and technology—but so far we’ve been very pleased with the results. Recent examples are Paying it Forward With Paypal and the making of Brow Talk.
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